Classic Mini Electric – retro EV debuts in New York

Classic Mini Electric – retro EV debuts in New York

As teased earlier, an all-electric MINI model did make its debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, but it isn’t what you might expect. What you’re looking at here is the Classic Mini Electric – which combines the historic look of a well-known icon with a modern, zero-emission powertrain.

The show car is based on a carefully restored 1988 example of the classic Mini Cooper, with plenty of revisions to accommodate the electric powertrain. According to Autocar UK, there’s a 38 hp electric motor linked to the same running gears from the regular car. The motor is linked to a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, which are installed behind the front seats and takes four hours to charge fully when plugged into a 220-volt household outlet. All in all, the system allows for a maximum speed of 121 km/h and range of 105 km.

Design-wise, the exterior is painted red with a white roof for contrast and bonnet strips. Cues associated with the electric bits include the yellow MINI Electric logo on the bonnet as well as the wheel hubs, plus additional logos on other parts of the bodywork.

As good as it looks, this is purely a one-off model that will not make its way to consumers. If you do want a MINI EV, you’ll have to wait for the brand to unveil its first all-electric model in 2019 – just in time for the 60th anniversary of the classic Mini.

The upcoming model was first previewed by the MINI Electric Concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and will be based on the MINI 3 Door. Production is set to begin at the company’s plant in Oxford next year. For those who can’t wait to own an electrified model from the British brand, the F60 MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4 is set to arrive in Malaysia soon, which is its first plug-in hybrid car.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Does it comes with detachable steering security feature? And deadbolt locks on the doors too?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
    • 12yrsold on Apr 03, 2018 at 9:10 am

      Hihihi. I tot a GROWN man like U wouldn’t say childish word like detachable steering & deadbolt locks on the doors. That’s just for show la. Oops, U did that to your P1 Gen2 is it ?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
      • Why yes. Those of us from older generation knew whats the significance of detachable steering & deadbolt doorlocks on a Mini. U kids shud try watching that show, hahaha, its still hilarious even after 20 years.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • stastasta on Apr 03, 2018 at 4:52 pm

        kids nowadays dont even know the existence of quick release steering boss kit.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • crash dummies union on Apr 03, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Passed euro ncap safety test?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Mohdjiman on Apr 09, 2018 at 9:17 am

    Green mini is the legend

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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